Not only is swimming one of the most aerobically efficient workouts, working pretty much every muscle in your body while burning calories, it's also a cool way to stay active during the hot summer months. Whether in an indoor lap pool or making the most of your backyard splasher, grab your suit and other essentials and get ready to dive in.

Speedo Fitness Spiral Splice Clip Back swimsuit

Proper swim form requires a proper training swimsuit (save the bikinis for days spent lounging, not lapping), but if you must invest in a suit for swimming fast, at least this one by swimming pros Speedo has a sexy racing stripe, plus adjustable straps to wear straight or criss-crossed for a more custom fit.

You know from the cardio room that the right playlist can pump you up and keep you moving faster and longer. And now, headphones aren't just for sports that take place on dry land. The X-1 system doesn't require any effort to format or move your tunes onto a new system; instead, it's designed to work with an iPod Shuffle, encasing it in a waterproof case and attaching to your goggles for a quick and easy transition.

All that time in the pool may do wonders for your body, but it can wreck your hair. To keep chlorine from drying out your locks, wet hair and coat it with conditioner before getting in the pool (and don't forget your swim cap), and for extra healing, indulge in the Ojon hair treatment once a week. The concentrated balm melts into a rich oil when rubbed between your palms and onto your tresses, restoring luster and smoothness over time.

Buy it: $19.50-$33 at Sephora

Vanquisher 2.0 Mirrored Goggles

When it comes to balancing effectiveness (no leakage) and comfort (no raccoon eyes), Speedo's adjustable Vanquisher goggles seem to have found the sweet spot, and the mirrored lenses mean they can be used outdoors without being blinded by the sun in the middle of your backstroke.

When picking a dedicated pair of high-traction flip-flops for your gym bag, you might as well help support other swimmers at the same time with Havaianas capsule collection supporting Conservation International, a charity that works to protect marine ecosystems. Seven percent of sales will go to support CI's work on research and shoreline environment projects in the Brazilian coastal region of Albrohos.